The crypto market started off with mixed signals, with Bitcoin leading the altcoins following the launch of the spot BTC ETFs. However, the rest of the year proved to be rather bleak until Q4.
As Bitcoin formed a new all-time high, many altcoins reached their new highs as well. The question that remains now is what should investors expect from them in 2025?
Thus, BeInCrypto has analyzed the top 5 coins that everyone has their eye on and what direction they could be taking in the coming 12 months.
Bitcoin (BTC)
Bitcoin has had a dream run this year as it formed multiple new all-time highs and made history after crossing the $100,000 mark. In doing so, BTC registered a 123% rise in 2024.
2025 is also expected to be similarly bullish, as the regulatory outlook is seemingly turning favorable, with pro-crypto President Donald Trump set to take office in January. In an exclusive interview with BeInCrypto, Juan Pellicer, Senior Research Analyst at IntoTheBlock, discussed Bitcoin’s potential.
“Bitcoin’s outlook for 2025 appears remarkably strong, supported by its recent breakthrough above $100,000. The consolidation at these levels, combined with growing institutional adoption and its proven track record as an inflation hedge, suggests continued upward momentum. If macroeconomic conditions remain favorable, we could see Bitcoin establish new price levels as it becomes increasingly integrated into traditional financial portfolios,” Pellicer told BeInCrypto.
Bitcoin Price Analysis. Source: TradingView
The short-term target for Bitcoin lies at $120,000, which is possible only if BTC manages to retain $100,000 as support. Otherwise, it could continue slipping to the current support of $89,800.
Ethereum (ETH)
Unlike Bitcoin, Ethereum has not managed to make an impression on the investors rising by only 40% since the beginning of the year. ETH has been struggling around the $4,000 mark for some time now and this price stands as its biggest barrier.
This week also marked the largest decline for the altcoin leader, sliding by 19% to trade at $3,203. However, the launch of spot ETH ETFs has been a turning point for Ethereum, and it could carry the altcoin further in 2025.
“Although institutional adoption of Ethereum has been slower than anticipated, there has been a noticeable increase in the total amount of ETH held in ETF addresses since November. Looking forward, the potential for heightened institutional engagement via spot ETFs, coupled with the expanding adoption of Ethereum-based enterprise solutions, points to a significant upside potential for ETH,” Pellicer noted.
Ethereum Price Analysis. Source: TradingView
For now, Ethereum’s biggest objective is to flip the $4,000 level into support to move forward. This would warrant securing $3,419 as the support floor first. If not, a decline below $3,000 is not too far.
Solana (SOL)
Solana had a relatively better year than Ethereum. However, it was not exceptional. The altcoin has been an institutional favorite and is expected to do better than just establishing a 79% rally throughout the year.
Breaking out of the $202 and $128 consolidation was a big challenge for SOL, and staying above it is the key to a continued uptrend. However, at the time of writing, Solana fell back into it, trading at $182.
Nevertheless, Solana has a shot owing to its strong fundamentals and emerging use cases.
“ The institutional appetite appears to be broadening beyond just Bitcoin. Major blockchains are likely to see increased institutional interest, driven by the potential approval of new ETFs and clearer regulatory frameworks… This infrastructural and application-focused development could create a more balanced market where multiple assets thrive alongside Bitcoin,” Pellicer told BeInCrypto.
Solana Price Analysis. Source: TradingView
Solana’s target for now is securing $202 as support, as only then can it form a new ATH beyond $265. But if the “Ethereum killer” falls back into consolidation, 2025 could end up being bleak for SOL holders.
XRP
While XRP did not have a great year, it did have an impressive Q4. In the final quarter, XRP rose from $0.49 to reach the year to date highs of $2.90, before falling to $2.07 at the moment. This sharp uptick brought the YTD growth to 237%.
Similar to Bitcoin, XRP is also likely looking at strong growth in 2025 owing to the recent launch of its RLUSD stablecoin.
“XRP’s trajectory is particularly interesting given recent developments. While the SEC victory was a significant catalyst, the launch of the RLUSD stablecoin and ongoing XRPL chain developments present new growth vectors. The potential appointment of a pro-crypto SEC Chairman could actually strengthen XRP’s position by providing clearer regulatory guidelines for its use in cross-border payments and institutional adoption. This regulatory clarity, combined with technical developments, could drive sustained price appreciation,” Pellicer noted.
XRP Price Analysis. Source: TradingView
This positive push could push XRP beyond the $3.00 barrier, supported by strong demand from new buyers. Institutions will also play a key role in feeding this demand, which will help keep the altcoin above $2.00.
Cardano (ADA)
Cardano registered one of the most disappointing run of all the biggest altcoins as it increased by only 35% in 12 months. The 27% decline this week, erased a chunk of the gains noted in Q4, bringing the altcoin to $0.80.
The lack of growth has increased the concerns about Cardano’s staying in the top 10 crypto asset list. Already standing at the ninth spot, ADA faces threat from chains like Tron (TRX) and Avalanche (AVAX), which have proved their mettle. However, Pellicer is holding a more positive outlook towards the third-generation crypto asset.
“While its performance has been underwhelming in the current bull cycle, its potential shouldn’t be underestimated. The key to maintaining its top 10 position lies in successful ecosystem expansion and increased utility. The platform needs to demonstrate concrete use cases and accelerate dApp deployment.
The focus should be on attracting developers and projects that can leverage Cardano’s technical advantages. If successful in this endeavor, ADA could see renewed interest and price appreciation in 2025, though this will require significant execution on development milestones and user adoption metrics,” Pellicer told BeInCrypto.
Cardano Price Analysis. Source: TradingView
This positive outlook would only be valid if ADA manages to reclaim $1.00 as support and make its way back to $1.19. Further growth would, however, warrant strong demand from investors and stronger development from the team.
